Dad’s Diet Recipes
Fish Filet – 293 cal
Once in a while when I’m driving and feel like treating myself, I’ll grab a Filet Fish from that famous fast food joint. But at 400 calories, it’s a killer for the Dad’s Diet. It’s also unhealthy, having as much fat and other ingredients as a Big Mac. So, if I really feel the…
Read MoreGrilled Aubergine, with Burrata, Balsamic, & Anchovy -159 cal
Okay, so in Canada, we call it eggplant but if you use the larger ones for this recipe, “Aubergine” just seems to suit it better. I was amazed at how the fresh burrata and sharp anchovies offset the dry (albeit balsamic soaked) aubergine. If you’re not into anchovy, that’s okay. Personally, I think you’re missing…
Read MoreCoquilles Saint Jacques – 374 Cal
Can you have an exotic French dish like Coquilles Saint Jacques while on Dad’s Diet? Of course! One seashell serving is 374 and although it’s not filling alone, combined with a nice salad and maybe 50z of white wine, you’ve got a meal worthy of a romance novel for under 550. That’s perfect for one…
Read MoreCreamy Tuscan Shrimp and Scallops – 366 Cal
There is no better way to eat cocktail shrimp and pre-packaged sea scallops this dish. It’s even better the next day when leftovers are mixed with pasta. And even with a creamy sauce, this dish comes in well under 400 calories, so you can top it off with a little paremsan or even dip a…
Read MoreChicken Cordon Bleu & Scalloped Potatoes – 398 Cal
When I tell people they can have Cordon Bleu on a diet, they usually laugh. The secret is portion size and a little cheating. In this version, each piece is 1/2 a chicken breast flattened; a small piece of off-the-bone ham (not processed); shredded cheese; and an amazing sauce. It’s not only delicious but a…
Read MoreBasa Fish Taco’s – 298 Cal
Most Mexicans cringe at what we call Fish Tacos but hey, it tastes good and all the big franchises have popularized it, so why not? In my recipe for those on Dad’s Diet, I use just one filet of frozen basa (obviously fresh is better but frozen works fine). I don’t bread it in the…
Read MoreYorkshire Stew (451 Cal)
451 Calories I first made this for my Dad to satisfy his Irish hunger pangs at Christmas. I always used leftovers from the big Christmas dinner and made it for his birthday on Boxing Day. It was always a big hit, and secretly, I liked it better the next day anyway; the meat had time…
Read MorePineapple & Beef Stir Fry with Rice (371 Cal)
371 Calories (including the rice!) I never dreamed how good this one would taste. I had made a large prime rib dinner for Easter but thanks to the coronavirus, not many of my family were able to attend. So, I had a lot of leftover beef. Looking to be creative, I came up with a…
Read MoreCaprese Flatbread (450 Cal)
450 Calories I love caprese salads, in any of their multiple forms, from flat on a plate, stacked, pierced on a skewer, or even part of a cold pasta. But this version blends the trendy flatbread with the basic ingredients, all baked slightly into a tasty dish suitable for the main course. In fact, it…
Read MoreFeta Chicken Sausage with Grapes (322 Cal)
This Dad’s Diet dish is only 322 calories! Those who know me know that the Sausage and Grape dish is a staple. I discovered it while touring Italy a few years ago and though considered a staple comfort dish in the North of Italy, it seemed exotic here in the West. If you’ve never tasted…
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